By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
Group Three performer Sunny Glenis has returned to Canterbury in preparation for a change in career.
Previously trained in Auckland by Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan, the seven-year-old has rejoined original trainer Robert Anderson’s Rolleston barn where she will see out the rest of her racing days.
The daughter of Monarchy has been served by Woodlands Stud stallion What The Hill, and Anderson is hoping she can add another victory to her 10-win career tally before she retires to the broodmare paddock.
While Sunny Glenis recorded her first stakes placing in the Gr.3 Greenlane Cup Handicap Trot (2700m) in March, she has failed to recapture that form since returning from the COVID-19 enforced break, and the decision was made to get her in-foal.
“She had a spell with the corona virus and when she came back she never showed the speed she has had,” Anderson said.
“She is a good sit and sprint horse, so we just decided we would bring her home and put her in-foal.
“She has done a good job. She has won 10 races and about $150,000. She is just a notch behind the good ones.
“We served her last week and we will just see how she races.”
Sunny Glenis will start behind the 30m mark in the Timaru Curry Club & Chambers Building Handicap Trot (2600m) at Phar Lap Raceway on Saturday, and while it is a big step back from racing the likes of Bolt For Brilliance in Auckland, Anderson said she will still have her work cut for her from the handicap.
“I took her to the trials on Wednesday. She just battled up the straight at Rangiora, but they ran a 56 half,” he said.
“Whatever she does on Saturday she is going to improve on.
“We will give her two or three starts and if she doesn’t show much she will just go out to the broodmare paddock, if she is in-foal.”
“30m is a big ask. If she is in the first five I would be happy.”
Anderson will also be looking to find form with stablemate Ilsas Son when he contests the Merry Xmas From Brosnan Transport Trot (2600m).
“He goes alright, but he is a rough-gaited bugger, he hits bad in behind,” Anderson said.
“We have realised he is not as good on the grass than he is on the all-weather, so we have decided not to go to the grass with him anymore.
“He has got a win in him.”
